‘Bristol West MP is right to stand up to anti-Semitism and racism’

Voters and Labour members have rallied behind Thangam Debbonaire, who is facing a backlash from within her own party for attending an anti-Semitism rally.

The Bristol West MP says that she has no problem being held accountable, but is “just sad” to be called upon to “explain her actions” for the decision to stand against racism and discrimination at the gathering in Parliament Square last week.

Her attendance at the cross-party rally angered some members of her Constituency Labour Party (CLP), who have criticised the timing of her actions and “obvious negative media attention” it would bring.

A motion put forward by the Ashley branch of the CLP, calling on the Bristol West MP to explain her actions, has thrust the city into the limelight at a time when the party is already getting national media attention over accusations of anti-Semitism.

It states: “Thangam Debbonaire, whose constituency contains some of the most deprived areas of the city, should not have joined Tory and DUP MPs to protest against unspecified and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘anti-Semitism’ in her own party.

“With the May local elections imminent and with Labour ahead in the polls, whatever her intentions, the timing of her actions and obvious negative media attention it generated; coming on the back of a series of unwarranted attacks on Jeremy Corbyn, can only serve to enhance the electoral chances of the Tory Party and damage those of the Labour Party.”

https://twitter.com/Britestoan/status/980910153145909250

The motion says that only a Labour Government led by Jeremy Corbyn will bring about “the fundamental change so desperately required by the people of Ashley Ward” and adds that it was the left wing members of the party who rallied to defend the Jewish community in the East End in 1934.

https://twitter.com/KeepBristolTidy/status/980431233871204352

The criticism levelled at Debbonaire – who stormed to victory in the June 2017 General Election, with one of the biggest majorities in the country – has prompted a counter-backlash on Twitter, with constituents and Labour members applauding her for standing up to discrimination.

A counter-motion was submitted by Labour member Marley Bennett, but rejected because there is already an existing motion.

Bennett, who works as an assistant to Labour MP for Bristol East Kerry McCarthy, has instead put forward amendments to the CLP motion.

These include acknowledgement that anti-Semitism exists within society, and that it should be challenged on all levels, calls for an anti-Semitism training course within the CLP to ensure members are equipped to combat it.

It also calls for members to work together for a united party party, committed to bringing about a Corbyn-led Labour Government.

Debbonaire (pictured with Corbyn in Bristo) says she is doing everything she can to fight for a Labour Government

Responding to the backlash from some CLP members, Debbonaire said: “I attended the rally in Parliament Square last Monday to show solidarity with Jewish friends and colleagues, as an elected representative of the Labour Party, along with Labour MPs. Since then, Jeremy Corbyn has agreed we need to take immediate action to respond better to anti-Semitism in the party.

“The correspondence I have received from people living in Bristol West and local Labour Party members indicates that I have their overwhelming support for attending this rally.

“As always, my focus is standing up for the people of Bristol West. This week in Bristol I have a full calendar, including a surgery to help people resolve problems, a ride-along with the local police and discussions about Brexit with local businesses.

“Last week in Parliament I worked on a bill on rights for victims of domestic violence, helped Labour’s health team challenge NHS cuts and worked on refugee policy. In the House of Commons I asked Boris Johnson about refugees, challenged Liam Fox about the effect of Tory trade policy and spoke in a debate on autism.

“As a Labour MP in Westminster, I am challenging the Tory government and doing everything I can to replace it with a Labour one, and in Bristol I am doing everything I can to stand up for the people of Bristol West.”

Backing her actions, chair of Bristol Young Labour Fred Jerrome said: “Thangam was right to show solidarity with our Jewish comrades by attending the rally. Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour must have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism and we support the concrete solutions he’s put forward.

“Bristol West is always a lively CLP but I’m sure everyone will now come together and support plans to fight anti-Semitism wherever we find it.”

Both the motion and counter-motion will be debated and voted on at the CLP general meeting on Thursday.

Eddie Izzard and Thangam Debboniare canvassing in Montpelier ahead of the June 2017 election

It comes as the Labour leader is on the campaign trail the South West ahead of May’s local council elections, and follows the recent resignation of Christine Shawcroft from Labour’s ruling NEC committee, after it emerged she had opposed the suspension of a council candidate accused of Holocaust denial.

Shawcroft’s place has been taken by long-term Labour activist and comedian Eddie Izzard, who joined Debbonaire in Bristol West in the run-up to the June 2017 General Election.

Read more: ‘What are you doing on my doorstep?’